The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, MP, has today announced the
Terms of Reference for the Patrick Finucane Inquiry, following
agreement with the Chair of the Inquiry, Sir Gary Hickinbottom.
In 2024, the Secretary of State announced the government's
intention to establish an independent Inquiry into the
circumstances of Mr Finucane's death. The human rights lawyer was
brutally murdered in his North Belfast home by the loyalist
paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association, in February
1989.
The Terms of Reference were published by the Secretary of State
via a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament.
Mr Benn said:
The Terms of Reference have been developed following formal
consultation with Sir Gary Hickinbottom, as required by the
Inquiries Act. Sir Gary, in turn, consulted the family of Patrick
Finucane who provided very helpful feedback and observations. I
would like to thank Sir Gary and the Finucane family for their
engagement throughout the process.
I commend and support the tireless campaign of Mrs Finucane and
her family in seeking answers to the brutal murder of their loved
one over the course of 37 years and I am pleased that the Inquiry
will now finally be able to get underway.
The Inquiry will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005,
with full powers, including the power to compel the production of
documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath.
Last year, the Secretary of State announced Sir Gary Hickinbottom
as Chair of the inquiry. Mr Benn also confirmed the appointment
of both Baroness Nuala O'Loan, and Francesca Del Mese, as
Assessors to the Inquiry. Both will provide advice to the Chair
on their relevant expertise in regards to the Inquiry, while also
giving further assurance about the Inquiry's independence.
Note to Editors:
The Full Written Ministerial Statement regarding the Terms of
Reference for the Patrick Finucane Inquiry can be found here.
